PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Heliconia latispatha
Expanded Lobster Claw
Benth.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, vigorous, clump-forming tropical perennial herb. It features long, upright, banana-like (musoid) green leaves and a striking, erect zigzag inflorescence. The inflorescence consists of widely spaced, deeply boat-shaped bracts that are typically bright yellow to golden-orange, often with red or green margins, holding small, tubular greenish-yellow flowers.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
PlatanillaGuanbanoExpanded lobster clawGolden lobster clawWild plantain
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Zingiberales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Heliconiaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Heliconia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Benth.
Record Completeness
84%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the humid lowlands, premontane moist forests, and disturbed areas of tropical America, spanning from southern Mexico through Central America to northwestern South America. It thrives in open, sunny sites, forest edges, riverbanks, and secondary growth fields, tolerating a wide range of damp soils.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Acts as a dominant early-successional plant. By forming extensive, rapidly expanding monocultures in newly cleared areas or along river edges, it builds dense vegetative barriers that prevent other slower-growing tree seedlings from establishing.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
150.0 - 400.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The horizontal, widespread orientation of its large, open bracts maximizes visibility for low-flying foraging hummingbirds in open clearings, while efficiently channeling morning dew directly to the developing fruit capsules.
Possesses an aggressive, fast-spreading underground rhizome network that anchors securely in loose, water-saturated riverbank sediments, allowing it to withstand seasonal flash floods and outcompete other pioneer plants for sunlight.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
There are no major systemic threats facing this highly adaptable species. It is a resilient pioneer weed that expands aggressively in deforested areas, roadside ditches, and human-disturbed landscapes.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike some forest heliconias that prefer deep shade, Heliconia latispatha requires direct, intense tropical sunlight to successfully develop its massive, brightly colored inflorescences.